Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2008-09: Curtis Gedig was acquired by the Cowichan Valley Capitals from the Merrit Centennials mid-season, and finished the year with combined totals of four goals and 14 assists in 46 games to go along with 18 PIM’s. The blueliner started last season at the training camp of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, but was a late cut and was subsequently re-assigned to the BCHL. He was one of the youngest players eligible for the 2009 draft, and was subseqently selected by the Devils in the final round of the draft proceedings.

2009-10: Curtis continued his BCHL career with 21 points in 53 games between Cowichan and the Vernon Vipers, winning the BCHL Championship with Vernon.

2010-11: A seventh-round pick in 2009, Gedig made a smooth transition to college hockey, seeing top-four minutes as a freshman for Ohio State and being named to the CCHA’s All Rookie Team (Honorable Mention). Gedig appeared in 34 of 37 games and had 12 assists with 6 PMs. He finished +2 on a Buckeyes team that finished ninth in the 11-team CCHA and was eliminated in the first round of the league tournament.

2011-12: Gedig played on the top pairing for Ohio State in his second season – primarily paired with senior Sean Duddy. A defense-first defenseman, he chipped in offensively with 2 goals and 12 assists and was minus-one with 10 penalty minutes. Ohio State finished eighth in the CCHA and were swept by Notre Dame in a first round playoff series.

2012-13: Gedig was one of Ohio State’s top defensemen in his junior season; skating alongside freshman Craig Dalrymple on the Buckeyes’ top pairing. He played 32 games, missing time with a shoulder injury, and was +3 while scoring 3 goals with 12 assists and 6 penalty minutes. The Buckeyes were fourth in the CCHA despite finishing one game under .500 and had their hopes for an NCAA tournament berth dashed; losing 3-1 to Notre Dame in the CCHA semifinals.

Talent Analysis

Gedig is a well rounded defense prospect. In his junior season, he became the go-to blueliner for Ohio State in key situations. He plays a relatively low-risk, no-frills style of game, which makes him an effective penalty killer. Gedig doesn't have many standout traits. However, he makes a good first pass out of his end. As he’s grown in juniors, he’s grown confident jumping into the play and pushes the puck up the puck up the ice. He’ll likely never be a standout offensively, but he does have enough skill to not hurt a team while playing with the man advantage.

Future

Photo: Forward Blake Coleman is wrapping up a breakout junior season with the Miami Redhawks, where he has posted 18 goals and seven assists through 25 games. (courtesy of Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)

Under general manager Lou Lamoriello, the New Jersey Devils have always valued players from the NCAA ranks. They currently have a nice balance of forwards and defensemen at the college level, led Boston College freshman Steve Santini

Photo: Eric Gelinas is one of four defensemen the New Jersey Devils selected in the 2009 NHL Draft. Gelinas has five goals and 14 assists through 39 NHL games this season. (courtesy of Rich Graessle/Icon SMI)

The 2009 off-season was one of upheaval for the New Jersey Devils. Despite claiming the Atlantic Division title and finishing third in the Eastern Conference, a veteran heavy Devils squad was upset in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In early June of 2009, head coach Brent Sutter left the organization to return home to Alberta and coach the Calgary Flames.

Photo: Goaltender Scott Wedgewood is currently in his second full season of professional hockey. Wedgewood was selected in the third round of the 2010 NHL Draft. (courtesy of Minas Panagiotakis/Icon SMI)

General Manager Lou Lamoriello has done a good job of restocking the lackluster New Jersey Devils farm system over the past six years. The junior and college ranks have produced talented prospects of all skill levels that fit the Devils mold. Now their minor league affiliate is reaping the benefits of this youth movement.

Photo: Seth Helgeson was the only senior defenseman on the Minnesota Golden Gophers roster this season. Helgeson recently signed a two-year entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils. (courtesy of Scott A. Schneider/Getty Images)

As the 2012-13 season comes to a close, it is time to hand out the end of the year awards for the New Jersey Devils prospects. While the NHL team struggled, many of their junior players performed very well for their respected clubs. What may be surprising are that most of the recipients are forwards. New Jersey features a healthy stock of quality defensemen, but lacks depth and talent up front. Still, the few standouts had terrific seasons that cannot be overlooked.